Everyone knows them, everyone likes them: the fleece jacket. Why this is the case and what enormous advantages the fleece jacket has over other textile materials will be explained in the following article!
In all outdoor activities, appropriate clothing is particularly important to protect oneself as best as possible from wind and weather influences. For outdoor clothing, fleece is the optimal material. It is particularly easy to care for, keeps you warm, and dries quickly. This is due to the processed polyester fibers. These allow the fleece jacket to be washed in a conventional washing machine without the risk of damaging the jacket. Even after prolonged repeated wear and washing, the garment still looks very good and retains its important functions. The material dries quickly, which is a significant advantage on longer trips. Just hang it up overnight, and the next morning the jacket is dry again.
But these are by no means all the advantages of fleece. Compared to wool, the material does not absorb water because it cannot. The reason for this is that fleece is slightly water-repellent. However, even when wet, the insulation function remains intact. Due to its low weight and pack size, fleece jackets can be easily stowed away in smaller backpacks without losing important storage space. What is interesting for children: the material does not scratch the skin and is therefore particularly popular with kids. With numerous combination options with other garments, the whole family can be dressed wind and weatherproof.
Fleece comes in various variations that can differ significantly from one another. Fleece jackets are available in different material densities, which affect weight and usability. For example, the designation 100 fleece or 200 fleece indicates the weight of the material per square meter. 100 fleece, for instance, weighs less than 200 fleece because it is less dense. This can be crucial for outdoor activities when storage space is limited. Thinner summer jackets made of fleece are just as suitable depending on the situation as thicker jackets for winter. Of course, jackets of different densities can also be combined.
There are also differences in manufacturing quality. Fleece jackets of lower quality can be recognized by quick signs of wear, such as pilling, which can significantly impair the protective function of the jacket. Jackets from well-known manufacturers, such as Norröna, Salewa, and Vaude, are a better choice in the long run, as they still look good after a long time, insulate as intended, and do not scratch the skin. Breathability also plays a role here. Good jackets insulate body temperature but also ensure adequate ventilation.
The quality and usability of fleece jackets have developed significantly in recent years. Today, you can find special jackets for a wide variety of purposes. From very light fleece jackets for warm summer evenings, called microfleece, to almost windproof models for sailing trips, everything is available. For each specific purpose, unique material combinations are used to provide optimal protection.
Most mountain sports enthusiasts, skiers, and hikers have fleece jackets in different thicknesses and styles. This way, the various layers can always be optimally adjusted to temperature and weather conditions. Thus, the fleece jacket worn in autumn as a transitional jacket often becomes the middle layer in winter. In combination with fleece hats and fleece gloves, there is a complete warm fleece outfit for women, men, and children, depending on the need.
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